“The important thing here is that the ownership of the land is in dispute and the bowling club’s solicitors have outlined why they think they have a strong claim to this land to Stuart Smith’s solicitors and the liquidator’s both of whom have not responded.

“They firmly believe that this is a separate entity from the WMC and say it should never have been included as part of the liquidation package.

“It is really up to Stuart Smith now to engage with the legal process. There is a real desire to see that this is sorted out in a legal manner.

“Obviously we told the police that this was going to happen and they regard it as a civil matter.”

But Mr Smith said: “I said I would give the bowlers to the end of the bowling season and I have honoured that commitment. What has happened here today is criminal damage and I shall speak with the police.

“They have unsecured the site, it is private property, it has never been a community bowling green. They have tried to register is as a community asset behind the receiver’s back. They have no right to be here. It is mine and I have all the documentation here.”

He added that he had offered bowlers the chance to pay to go on the green saying they could pay £5 for the privilege each time. The offer came with either a couple of pints or soup and a sandwich.